The only think that keeps coming up in secondary publications I have read is that the intent of AFCI protection was to protect against arcs from equipment plugged into RECEPTCALES. So why is lighting and smokes required....thats one for NFPA to answer I guess.
Welcome to the Forum.
You probably recall that the original version of 210.12(B) was, in fact, only for circuits supplying receptacles, that is, no mention of other types of Outlets. Then, 210.12(B) was expanded to cover all "outlets" in the specified areas.
The original AFCI breakers, the Branch Feeder type, didn't have the ability to be listed to see down the zip cords of common equipment plugged into the home. That meant the "grand concept" of the AFCI still wasn't being delivered.
With the Combination type AFCI breakers, the present requirement, the ability to "see" arcs in the Utilization Equipment finally became a reality.
This, to me, is a progressive expansion of the coverage of 210.12(B), in addition to the increases spaces in a dwelling.
This was way over analyzed.
Used to be more of a stretch, but with the 2008 NEC 210.12(B) expanding the areas that AFCI protection is required for, the situation becomes more common. And the situation is this: Single family dwelling with a detatched garage. The garage is on its own 15 Amp 125 V circuit. The garage circuit supplies receptacles and luminaires on and in the garage, ONLY. Now, a switch inside the house back hallway controls the luminaire on the side of the garage service door. My question, back to you, Sparksnarks, is, does the switch, installed in an area under 210.12(B), controlling load outside the area under 210.12(B), cause the garage branch circuit to be AFCI protected?
This kind of situation occurs more often under the 2008 NEC 210.12(B).
The answer is bound up in the meaning of the definition of Outlet, as given in Article 100.
